Physician Assistant Salary Guide
Physician Assistants (PAs) are licensed medical professionals who diagnose illnesses, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medications, and often assist in surgeries. PAs practice in a variety of settings—primary care, specialty clinics, hospitals, and emergency departments—working collaboratively with physicians to expand access to care.
What is the average Physician Assistant salary?
Entry Level
$70,000 - $90,000
Mid Level
$95,000 - $125,000
Senior Level
$125,000 - $160,000
How does Physician Assistant salary grow with experience?
Physician Assistant salary by location
What factors affect a Physician Assistant's salary?
- Clinical specialty (surgery, emergency medicine, dermatology often pay more)
- Geographic location and local cost of living
- Employer type (academic medical center, private practice, hospital system, urgent care)
- Years of experience and clinical leadership roles
- Additional certifications, procedural skills, and productivity/bonus structures
Frequently Asked Questions About Physician Assistant Salaries
What is the average salary for a Physician Assistant in the U.S.?
The average U.S. Physician Assistant earns roughly $95,000 to $125,000 per year, with medians around $110,000 depending on specialty and location.
How does specialty affect a Physician Assistant's pay?
Specialty strongly affects pay: surgical, emergency medicine, and dermatology PAs typically earn more than primary care or pediatrics due to procedure intensity and demand.
Do Physician Assistants get annual raises or bonuses?
Yes. Many PAs receive annual merit raises, productivity bonuses, sign-on bonuses, and benefits like retirement contributions and loan repayment, which can add substantially to total compensation.
Which locations pay Physician Assistants the most?
High-cost metropolitan areas—such as San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, Boston, and Seattle—tend to offer the highest base salaries for Physician Assistants.
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